Atlanta Wins Decisively 3-1 | ATLUTD vs Sporting Kansas City
Atlanta Wins Decisively 3-1
Araujo, Wolff, Dwyer Each Score
ATLANTA, GA – Atlanta Latinos Magazine – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
For the first time in its history, Atlanta United opened the season at home in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And the result was most satisfying.
United earned a 3-1 win over visiting Sporting KC. It scored twice in the first half and held that lead until late, when KC scored a goal in the 80th minute. However, Atlanta would answer back with an 89th minute goal to seal the victory.
Luiz De Araujo scored Atlanta’s first goal in the 20th minute, converting on Josef Martinez’s beautiful assist. A secondary assist was awarded to Tyler Wolff.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, Araujo pulled up lame with an apparent hamstring injury. He was replaced in the 26th minute by Dom Dwyer, who was making his United debut.
It didn’t take Dwyer long to notch a goal for himself. In the third minute of extra time, Dwyer juked a defender and planted one in the back of the net. Martinez was credited with his second assist of the match. He had only one assist all of last season.
KC’s goal was scored by Daniel Salloi with an assist from Andreu Fontas.
United’s final goal was scored by Atlanta United Academy Caleb Wiley, who was making his major league debut as a Homegrown signee. Marcelino Moreno helped create the opportunity with a well-placed pass for the assist.
The defense put in a solid effort. Of particular note, Andrew Gutman had a stellar performance, even earning Man of the Match award with his efforts. Miles Robinson and George Campbell also both put in workman-like efforts defensively.
Atlanta’s next match is at Colorado next Saturday, March 5th.
Notes…There were many firsts in today’s match…Caleb Wiley scored his first MLS goal…Tyler Wolff recorded his first career assist…Dom Dwyer scored his first goal for Atlanta United…attendance was announced 67,523.
